Welcome! When you decide to become a teacher, you are taking on the tremendous responsibility and honor of teaching young people of all ages, nationalities and levels of ability how to understand and interact with our rapidly-changing modern world.
Click below for the Teacher Candidate Handbook:
Decision Point I begins in your first year here at PSU. This list of requirements must be completed to be accepted by the Holmes Center as a teacher candidate. First, complete the candidacy application. Praxis Core tests are an assessment of basic skills and are designed to measure proficiency in the areas of reading, writing, and math. The Praxis Core tests should be taken during your first year at PSU and must be passed by meeting the current scores required by the State of New Hampshire. Students must retake and pass any portion of the Praxis Core where the minimum score has not been achieved. There is a period of time required before a test can be retaken, so take these tests right away. Performance at or above a predetermined minimum score (set by the NHDOE) on a nationally recognized test in the areas of reading, writing, and/or mathematics (such as, but not limited to, the SAT, GRE, or ACT) can be used to get a waiver for the Praxis Core requirement. Submit the Test Evaluation Request directly to the NHDOE, as outlined below. Directions for submitting the Test Evaluation Request are posted on the Praxis Core Requirement page. Make requests in person. Then follow-up with a thank-you email that includes the link to the evaluation form, your student ID#, and certification program. Not required for Graduate Students. Click here to view the faculty evaluation items. Here is the link to the form. For more information and instructions regarding the criminal background check, click here.
Seminar I is required for all interns. The Holmes Center will host a meeting to explain the ins and outs of your internship. Mentors and University Supervisors will experience similar material in their internship overview and training sessions. Seminar I includes:
➢ Overview of your internship calendar including dates for events such as resume workshopping, Seminar II, and Seminar III
➢ Overview of the Internship in Teaching policies and this handbook
➢ Review of the Evaluation Competencies Rubric for your program
➢ Co-teaching training
➢ Lesson planning expectations and guidance
➢ Review of the NH Codes of Conduct & Ethics
Click here for content area test requirements and instructions.
Professional Dress is required.
Click here for an overview of the licensure process.